Been doing some soul (and price) searching. It appears that 2005 Red/Tan F430 Spider F1 cars are dropping pretty close into my price range. I'll have to kick in about an extra 10 percent over my self-imposed spending cap, but that's not a big deal - not gonna break the bank.

I could spend mid- or upper-90's for a clean 360 Spider F1, or spend around $110k (yes, I checked thoroughly multiple times through multiple outlets) for a decent 2005 F430 spider with around 30k miles on the clock. Not worried too much about miles, as long as maintenance is up to speed.

So, since the F430 is dropping close into range, it makes more sense to me from the long term view. I'll be in the F430 for around 6-7 years until the 458 Italia's start to drop into range, probably. Otherwise, I'd be in a 360 for 3-4 years, then upgrade to the F430, then go 458 Italia. This way, I get more car today to drive for a longer term.

Anyway, I'm changing my search to focus on F430's, and since there aren't many appreciable differences from 2005-2007, I'll probably go with a nice 2005 example to stay close to my budget. I've already upped the budget once on the 360 front, so I can do it again for a F430 - what an amazing car! Plus, heck, I've driven a Red/Tan F430 Spider F1 before, and I will testify that it was intoxicating, and was the single most important factor sending me down the road to future Ferrari ownership!

At the perceived incremental cost difference, the F430 presents a compelling case. Also, the annual maintenance on the F430 will be less, and in some cases, perhaps even half the cost of the 360 maintenance. Of course, that depends on the actual car.

So, I'm off to the range. If anyone has any advice, it is appreciated. Thanks guys. It's one of those good, 1% problems to have...

Since they're so close, I say get the one you like best.
We actually like the 360 better, so would pay more for one vice a 430!
Pluse, the money you save getting a 360 could go towards the future 458...

Good points David,
I can confirm I personally prefer the F430, given such a choice. Also, I would assume I will have a higher resale / trade in value on a F430 versus a 360 when it comes time to upgrade. Hopefully a safe assumption, but I can't speculate as to the delta right now.
Thanks!

As far as the 360 goes, no, I have not actually driven one per se. I have been on a test ride with an owner, and I am able to distinguish the differences. And, like you said, you really can't go wrong either way. Since I know I aspire to a F430, and then eventually a 458 Italia, it seems like a better long-term play to go for the F430 today rather than 3-4 years.

My leasing agent, whom I consult for all matters car related, told me that he believes it will be harder to sell a 360 Spider than it will be to sell an F430 spider, because of the aging population and also the generational evolution from 360 to F430. It's a great problem to have, and as of today and this exact point in time, I will focus my search on F430's.

My leasing agent.... told me that he believes it will be harder to sell a 360 Spider than it will be to sell an F430 spider, because of the aging population and also the generational evolution from 360 to F430.